London Met academic wins top architecture award

Professor Florian Beigel of the Architecture Research Unit in The Cass has won the 2014 Annie Spink Award.

Date: 1 December 2014

Florian Beigel, a Professor of Architectural Design at London Metropolitan University, has won one of the most prestigious awards in architecture.

The Annie Spink Award is open to teachers working on any internationally recognised Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) course who are involved in the development of architectural education and engage with the process of teaching and learning.

“Deserving Winner”

“Congratulations to Professor Florian Beigel for receiving this award in recognition of his sustained influence on architectural education and on generations of students, architects, and fellow tutors.

“Over four decades of inspirational teaching, Florian Beigel has revealed an unparalleled commitment to the School of Architecture at London Metropolitan University, framed in entirely unique terms. His penetrating intelligence, generous spirit, and abundant talent as an architect make him a most deserving winner of the RIBA Annie Spink Award.”

Career spanning 41 years

Florian has taught at The Cass and its predecessor intuitions since 1973. He has directed and delivered courses leading to RIBA part 1 and RIBA 2 over this 41 year period and has led the Architecture Research Unit (ARU) since 1979.

“It is a real honour to be given this award and recognition for one’s role as an educator in architecture,” said Florian upon receiving news of the award.

“To those who have generously nominated me for this award and given their backing with such enthusiasm, thank you.

“All through the years the aim has been to give the students a love and passion for architecture. I am an architect that likes to build, and I believe that it is important that the architectural works that I do with my colleagues can offer insights to students.

“Our practice (design as research) informs the teaching, and the teaching informs the practice. In this way, there has always been a balance between practice, research and teaching.”

Florian thanked his friends colleagues that have collaborated with him over years, particularly Philip Christou, a fellow London Met academic that has worked alongside Florian for over 30 years, to whom Florian dedicated the award.

For more on Florian’s achievement, including Professor Robert Mull’s letter of commendation, see the full story on the Cass website.